Students from the Panhellenic Council at the University of Missouri-Rolla have been nationally recognized for management, leadership and educational development, and membership recruitment.

The women were honored by the Mid-American Greek Council Association (MGCA) annual conference held in Chicago in February. The MGCA promotes leadership and educational experiences for student leaders at colleges and universities through the growth and development of fraternity and sorority councils. In all, UMR received the highest total awards from Missouri, with three. Representatives attending the four-day conference included 12 students from the Panhellenic and Interfraternity Councils of UMR’s fraternity and sorority community.

Two female Greeks were also recently awarded top honors by the Order of Omega, a national honorary society recognizing scholarship among fraternity and sorority members.

Rachel Grodsky, a senior in ceramic engineering from Kansas City, Kan., and a member of Zeta Tau Alpha; and Rebecca Pohlman, a senior in engineering management from Arnold, Mo., and a member of Chi Omega, received scholarships of $750 and $500, respectively. They were among 12 students recognized nationally for scholastic ability, participation and leadership in campus organizations, and citizenship and service to Order of Omega and the campus Greek community. This is the fifth time since 2000 UMR students have received this recognition from the Order of Omega. Since 1985, the Order of Omega has nationally awarded $484,100 in total scholarships to undergraduate leaders.

“At UMR, interest in fraternities and sororities has risen dramatically in recent years,” says Matt Goodwin student program administrator for fraternity and sorority life at UMR.

“The percentage of students involved in fraternal organizations on campus rose by 3.7 percent from 2004-2005, resulting in their highest numbers since 1997.”

As Greek life at UMR enters its 103rd year, three UMR fraternities will celebrate anniversaries. Sigma Tau Gamma will celebrate 50 years at UMR, while Delta Tau Delta and Alpha Epsilon Pi each commemorate 40 years on campus.